New information uncovered by Target shows that more New Mexicans are looking out for abused or neglected children.

The Children, Youth and Families Department released information show reports have jumped, especially since the horrific death of Omaree Varela.

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Varela was just 9 years old when police said his mother kicked him to death on Dec. 27, 2013. Ever since then, CYFD officials have noticed a spike in reports of suspected child abuse.

"Obviously when things that are very tragic such as the Omaree Varela case and other cases we've heard it does open people's eyes that 'Have I seen something that's concerned me?'" said Henry Varela with the Children, Youth and Families Department.

Now, more and more people are calling the CYFD anonymous tipline #SAFE.

In November, there were 779 reports of possible abuse and neglect from Bernalillo County alone. In the month following Omaree's death, there were more than 1,000 reports in the same county.

"The whole intention behind the #SAFE hotline was to make it easier for the citizens of New Mexico to get in touch with us," said Jared Rounsville with CYFD.

Anonymous calls nearly doubled during that period, and more members of law enforcement used #SAFE to report cases.

"It doesn't mean that that abuse wasn't happening before, it just means that more people are aware to call CYFD or law enforcement to investigate," Varela said.

#SAFE also got more calls in January from schools and mental health professionals. CYFD said reporting of suspected abuse and neglect is rising across the state.